Symphonic Encounters

Symphonic Encounters
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The VSO’s open rehearsal program, Symphonic Encounters, takes students, teachers, and community groups behind the scenes to discover what it takes for the musicians, conductors, and production team of the Vancouver Symphony to prepare for a world class concert. 

In addition to the rehearsal, opportunities to Meet a Musician or take an Orpheum Tour may be offered depending on safety guidelines. Ticket holders will be notified of these opportunities in advance of the rehearsal date. 

Meet a Musician: During the break, VSO musician will be available to answer any questions students may have about a career in music or the rehearsal process. 

Orpheum Tour: A 40-minute tour of the Orpheum Theatre is available as an alternative to sitting in on the second half of the rehearsal. Space is limited, so advance booking is required. 

Please note that the suggested age range for this program is from grade 6 up to adults.

Safety Measures: For FAQ’s about Safety Measures, please click here and please see our information about the performance below. For a complete Communicable Disease Prevention Plan contact Education@vancouversymphony.ca

The Orpheum Theatre is a public space. Photos or Videos may be captured and used by the VSO for promotional or educational purposes. 

How to Order

There are several ways to register for a Symphonic Encounters Concert:

  1. Pay in full with a credit card. See below.
  2. To pay a deposit, or to pay via cheque or cash click here
  3. Download the order form and mail your credit card or cheque payment

A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to secure space at your preferred concert. Best-available seating is then assigned to groups in order of receipt of full payment. The full balance is due no later than three weeks in advance of the performance.

Orders placed online may be reassigned to ensure that groups are seated together. Large groups orders can be placed directly with our Special Sales Ticketing Representative, Cathal Folan. Please contact cathal.folan@vancouversymphony.ca

2022-2023 Rehearsal Dates

Visions of Heaven: Mozart, Golijov & Mahler

Thursday November 3 | 10am – 12:30pm

A musical contemplation of spirituality through the lens of Don Giovanni. Experience the incredible depth of Alisa Weilerstein as she performs Argentinian composer Golijov’s cello concerto that explores heaven through the blue sky. Maestro Tausk closes the program with Mahler’s take on a child’s vision of heaven.

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Hilary Hahn Plays Sibelius

Friday January 13 | 10am – 12:30pm

Three-time Grammy® Award-winner Hilary Hahn returns at last to the VSO to share her soulful interpretation of the Sibelius Violin Concerto. Plus, a thrilling orchestral workout by Richard Strauss, and Canadian composer Ana Sokolovic’s charming Nine Proverbs

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Beethoven, Berlioz, Bartok & Brueggergosman 

Thursday February 16 | 10am – 12:30pm

Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 mix operatic conventions with heroic Beethovenian energy. By contrast, Berlioz’s La mort de Cléopâtre is a stark cantata, performed here by the great Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman. The concert closes with Hungarian composer Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, one of his most popular works.

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Beethoven & Prokofiev

Thursday March 2 | 10am-12:30pm

Captivating, lyrical, and energetic, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is one of his most popular works. VSO Concertmaster Nicholas Wright’s effortless tone is featured perfectly in Prokofiev’s gorgeous first violin concerto, under the baton of South Korean conductor Han-Na Chang.

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Aretha: A Tribute

Friday April 28 | 11am-2pm

Broadway star Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy® nominee Ryan Shaw join the VSO for a high-energy tribute to the inimitable “Queen of Soul.” Featuring solid gold Aretha Franklin hits including Respect, Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Think, and many more!

This Symphonic Encouters Event has been Cancelled.

Wayne Marshall Plays Rhapsody in Blue 

Friday May 5 | 10am – 12:30pm

Wayne Marshall seamlessly inhabits the worlds of classical, popular, and jazz music. Marshall does double duty on the podium and leading from the piano in Gershwin’s seminal Rhapsody in Blue and conductor/arranger Leopold Stokowski’s grand orchestral vision of Bach’s imposing Toccata and Fugue, popularized as the opening to Disney’s Fantasia. 

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